Ekiti poll: Lawyer asks INEC to prosecute Fayose, Olusola

Kabir Akingbolu, a Lagos-based lawyer, has asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to prosecute Ayo Fayose, governor of Ekiti state, and Kolapo Olusola, his deputy, for electoral offences in the last governorship election.

In a letter to the chairman of INEC, Akingbolu asked the commission to prosecute Lere Olayinka, spokesperson of the governor, for “deliberately” breaching several provisions of the Electoral Act during the governorship election of June 14.

He said the trio should be investigated for campaigning against Kayode Fayemi, winner of the election, and urging voters not to vote for him which contravenes section 129 (c) of the General Act.

Akingbolu also alleged that their campaign was full of abusive language, which injured religious, ethnic and sectional feelings.

The lawyer said the investigation should commence as soon as the immunity enjoyed by the governor and deputy ends after their tenure as it would curb official impunity during elections.

He wrote, “Throughout the campaign, the suspects campaigned against Kayode Fayemi and urged voters not to vote for him in contravention of section 129 (c) of the General Act.

“The campaign of the suspects was tainted with abusive language, which injured religious, ethnic and sectional feelings contrary to section 95 (1) of the Electoral Act.

“The suspects threatened to make use of force and violence in contravention of section 131 (a) of the Electoral Act.

“The suspects prevented all government aspirants apart from Kolapo Eleka the free use of the Ekiti State Radio and Television station in contravention of section 131 (d) of the Electoral Act.

“The suspects advanced and paid the sum of N3,000 to every civil servant on Friday June 13, 2018 with intent that such money shall be expended on bribing voters to vote for Kolapo Eleka.

“The suspects campaigned for Kolapo Eleka in the governor’s lodge on June 14, 2018 within 24 hours prior to the polling day in contravention of section 99 (1) of the Electoral Act, 2010.

“The suspects prevented the Ekiti State Broadcasting Corporation from allotting equal coverage and conspicuity to all political parties in contravention of section 100 (5) of the Electoral Act 2010.”